Gibson and the Virzi

[fatt-dad]

I think it was an option for the F5, F4 and the A4. Was it an option on any of the lower tier F's or A's?

f-d

[sunburst]

Some number of Gibson mandolins were sent back to Gibson for Virzi retrofits. I've seen them in F4s and such, mandolins that were made before Virzis in new Gibsons were available. I suppose anyone who had the money and bought the sales hype could have had one installed in any Gibson mandolin. As for how many models were available new with Virzi installed, I don't know.

[mrmando]

Heard tell of an F2 with a Virzi in it once.

[Raymond E.]

Evenin'....I once owned a Gibson fiddle that had a Virzi of sorts in it. It was shaped like the top,complete with Fholes. I thought it sounded just fine....can't remember what I traded it for. Bobby Osbornes Loar had had the Virzi removed at some point,awful job of it. He had a Virzi put back in it,the rough workmanship fixed,lowered the action to match his Fern and it was a very much better sounding Mandolin,much better. His Fern is by far the best Mandolin I've had in my hands....ever......Loafer

[Ken Waltham]

I have an F2 with virzi. They were put in F4's, H4's, H5's, L5's, L4's, most anything you wanted one in, really.
Ken

[fatt-dad]

how curious that do dad. . .

f-d

[Loudloar]

Not only mandolins and violins, would you believe pianos? I spotted one on a friend's upright piano many years ago.

Steve
The History of The Geib Musical Instrument Case Company
http://kirtleymusic.home.comcast.net/geib.htm